Items added on July 1st 2016 Those added most recently come first

Test Train 
Kyle Greet

Hi Keith, here's two from today's Class 68 run. Noticed you already have some of it underway so they're of the locos while stopped at Penzance.
In case you haven't got them already, the numbers of the coaches were 6264, 977983, 5981 and 977868.
Cheers, .Kyle                                                          Many thanks Kyle.

68004 at Penzance 1st July 2016 Copyright Kyle Greet

68020 at Penzance 1st July 2016 Copyright Kyle Greet

Network Rail Test Train
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Popped out for the HST replacement NMT today. News travelled fast that two class 68s were to top & tail a loco hauled train working 1Q18 Old Oak Common to Paignton via Penzance. 68004 / 020 were the locos, that bring the tally of class 68 visitors to 4 to the County since May!  

The train is seen west bound in typical Summer 16 weather at Penwithers Jn and then returning some time later at Merthen Farm near Par. 
Cheers for now,   Craig   Many thanks for yours Craig

The Network Rail test train heads for Penzance - it has just emerged from Truro Tunnel. 1st July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Another view at the same location, the Falmouth branch diverges off to the right. 1st July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday.

The test train returning some time later at Merthen Farm near Par. 1st July 2016

Top & Tail Network Rail Train With Class 68s
​ By Mick House

On the 1st July 2016 DRS Class 68 004 and 020 top and tailed four Network Rail test train coaches from Old Oak Common 05.28 running 3 minutes early via Penzance at 11.33 departing 1 minute early at 12.24 and then on to Paignton 15.33 arriving 3 minutes early.
Words and Photos By Mick House
Additional photos by Andrew Triggs  
Many Thanks Andrew

68020 Heading for Apex Bridge at 11.05, then on to Penzance. Photo by Mick House.

1. DRS 68020 & 68004 arriving at Penzance with 1Q18 05.25 Old Oak Common-Paignton (via Penzance) at 11.33. photos by Andrew Triggs

2. Departing at 12.24, the Test train rounding the curve from Longrock, 68004 now leading 1Q18. photos by Andrew Triggs

3. 1Q18 passing Marazion station at speed. photos by Andrew Triggs.

4. The DRS 68's heading up the marshes, having cleared Marazion Road Bridge. photos by Andrew Triggs.

68004 Heading towards Green Bottom at 12.47, then on to Paignton. Photo by Mick House.

Moorswater 1971
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Excellent to see Moorswater back on the railway map, this photograph of Coombe Junction, taken in August 1971, is a reminder of whats been lost, although on a lighter note, it is still possible to use this station a couple of times a day!
Best wishes Andrew                               Thank you Andrew 

Combe Junction as it was in 1971. Copyright Andrew Jones

Curry Rivel Junction
John Cornelius

At the risk of using the pun 'Too hot to handle' - 'CURRY Junction' I was delighted to receive this recently scanned image from John Cornelius

KJ previously gave this location as Curry Rivel Junction and the train as joining the main line. How wrong can I be?  In a deluge of criticisms I am advised that the train has just left the main line and is heading for Yeovil.Many thanks John and also to my proof readers (that's you out there) - your comments are much appreciated.

3733 CURRY JCT 6th June1960 Copyright John Cornelius

Mike Morant visits
BR South Devon 2

Mike says :-  It isn't often that I wax lyrical about a going-away shot but I fell in love with this one even before I scanned the glass negative as it shrieked "quality". This is Dawlish allegedly in 1929 and the star of the show is Churchwood Saint class 4-6-0  No. 2904 Lady Godiva fresh out of shops and about to depart in the direction of Exeter.  That  overhaul wouldn't spare her ladyship the ignominy of withdrawal from service only three years later in 1932 after only 26 years in service.

                                                                                 Many thanks Mike.

Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_2904_Dawlish_1929

Strange fitting?
Mike Roach

Hi Keith
I enclose a picture of 41223 at Halwill. What is interesting is the roughly bent copper pipe with compression fittings beneath the smokebox. It looks as though it may go to the device to the left-hand side of the smokebox which could be a Westinghouse pump, although not a model I remember seeing before. Perhaps you could publicise the picture to see if anyone has the answers. Before going to Exmouth Junction the loco was at Barnstaple Junction; before that in the Midlands; and before that again in North Wales. The immediately preceding locomotives numbered 41210 to 41222 were all push-pull fitted.
All the best, Mike     Many thanks Mike.

41223 at Halwill. Copyright Mike Roach

A close up of the pipe work on 41223 being queried. Copyright Mike Roach.